Local high school athletes take
advantage of early signing period

Photo by Dennis Knight, Savannah Morning News From left to right, Calvary Day seniors Caty Hulsey, Alexus Parker and Patricia Forrester signed letters of intent to play Division I college sports Wednesday.

It was a festive atmosphere at Calvary Day School on Wednesday as the senior class celebrated with an early Thanksgiving feast before recognizing three classmates who have earned Division I athletic scholarships.

Senior basketball player Alexus Parker signed her letter of intent to play at Prairie View A&M, while swimming teammates Patricia Forrester and Caty Hulsey signed with Tennessee and North Carolina, respectively.

Parker transferred to Calvary from Savannah High before her junior season and had an immediate impact with the Cavaliers. The versatile guard/forward averaged 10.6 points, 6.3 rebounds 1.7 steals and 1.3 assists per game as the Cavs finished the season with a 25-3 record.

The 5-foot-10 senior took a trip to the Texas campus about an hour from Houston and came away impressed. She also has a lot of respect for Panthers’ head coach Toyelle Wilson.

“She made a home visit and came to Calvary, too,” Parker said. “I picked Prairie View because of her commitment to her players as individuals. She cares for you as a person, outside of basketball. She’s going to help me academically and in basketball, and that matters to me.”

Parker hopes to major in forensic science. She thanked her family, friends, teammates, teachers and coaches for their influence in her life.

It was another memorable day for swimming teammates Forrester and Hulsey, who both earned berths in last summer’s Olympic Trials in Omaha, Neb.

Both swimmers won GHSA Class 1-4A titles in February. Hulsey earned All-America status with a time of 4:50.79 in the 500-yard freestyle. Forrester earned All-America consideration by winning the 100-yard backstroke in 56.23.

Now both swimmers, who train under Patricia’s father Bill Forrester, an Olympic bronze medalist who coaches the Georgia Coastal Aquatic team, can aspire to become NCAA All-America selections.

“I’ve always loved swimming. I jumped into water over my head before I could even swim,” said Hulsey, who plans to major in business. “I thought North Carolina was the best fit for me because it has great academics, a great swim team and a great coaching staff. It felt like a family there, and it’s going to be beneficial for my career.”

Forrester was equally excited about moving on to a big-time college program.

“I’m going to enjoy being part of something great,” Forrester said. “I feel like Tennessee is moving up in the SEC. Having my dad as a coach has been an inspiration. It’s nice to have someone at home who understands what you are going through and keeps you on top of things. He’s always been there for me.”

Other local signings:

South Effingham standout Mallory Ferguson signed a letter of intent Wednesday to play softball at Augusta State University.

The senior catcher said her college choice had the right balance.

“It’s the atmosphere, but also it’s not too far from home — or too close,” she said.

Ferguson had an impressive season, hitting .354 with 11 doubles, three home runs, 25 RBIs and a .435 on-base percentage as the Mustangs reached the Elite 8 of Class AAAA.

Coach Chuck Smith said Ferguson is a “fabulous” player and has many great qualities.

“She’s an unbelievable catcher, and she has great work effort and drive,” Smith said. “As a catcher, she’s a definite leader on the field.”

At nearby Effingham High, it was a banner day for baseball coach Brett Griffin — as three of his players signed letters of intent.

Eric Knox, a 6-foot-4, 185-pound OF/P signed with Georgia Tech, while SS Cal Baker signed with Georgia Southern and P/IF Kyle Ward signed with Georgia College and State University.

Ward signed as a pitcher and is coming off Tommy John surgery. Griffin hopes Ward can play some in the field and maybe help out late in the season as a reliever with limited innings.

“Ward throws between 88-92 mph and locates well,” Griffin said. “And Knox moves well in the outfield and has a lot of pop in his bat. They all bring something different to the team. Cal is a vocal leader, and the other two kind of go out there and lead by example. We’re looking forward to having a great year.”

Baker is preparing for what could be his final game at quarterback for the Rebels, who face undefeated Northside Warner Robins on the road Friday night.

“I had some other schools interested, but I’ve wanted to go to Southern since I was tiny,” Baker said. “I like the coaches and there is something about players from South Georgia. We like to work hard and get after it. That’s Georgia Southern’s style, and I like that.”